The Catechism

Method of Instruction in the Christian Religion

Contents

Of God The Father

Of God The Son

Of God The Holy Ghost

Of The Sacraments

Of Holy Baptism

Of The Holy Supper Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

The Third Part - Of Thankfulness

Of Prayer

Note. This Catechism is fully based on the
Scriptures. The references to Scripture are indicated in parentheses with a
letter. For example, the letter (a) points to the texts (a) placed after the
answer.

1. Lord's Day

Question 1.

What is thy only comfort in life and death?

Answer.

That I with body and soul, both in life and death, (a)

am not my own, (b)

but belong unto my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ; (c)

who, with his precious blood, has fully satisfied for all my sins, (d)

and delivered me from all the power of the devil; (e)

and so preserves me (f)

that without the will of my heavenly Father, not a hair can fall from my head;
(g)

yea, that all things must be subservient to my salvation, (h)

and therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life, (i)

and makes me sincerely willing and ready, henceforth, to live unto him. (j)

(a) Rom.14:7,8. (b) 1 Cor.6:19. (c) 1 Cor.3:23; Tit.2:14. (d) 1

Pet.1:18,19; 1 John 1:7; 1 John 2:2,12. (e) Heb.2:14; 1 John 3:8; John

2. Lord's Day

Q. 3.

Whence knowest thou thy misery?

A.

Out of the law of God. (a)

(a) Rom.3:20.

Q. 4.

What does the law of God require of us?

A.

Christ teaches us that briefly, Matt. 22:37-40, "Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and
with all thy strength. This is the first and the great commandment; and the
second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (a)

(a) Deut.6:5; Lev.19:18; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27.

Q. 5.

Canst thou keep all these things perfectly?

A.

In no wise; (a)

for I am prone by nature to hate God and my neighbour.(b)

(a) Rom.3:10,20,23; 1 John 1:8,10. (b) Rom.8:7; Eph.2:3; Tit.3:3;

Gen.6:5; Gen.8:21; Jer.17:9; Rom.7:23.

3. Lord's Day

Q. 6.

Did God then create man so wicked and perverse?

A.

By no means;

but God created man good, (a)

and after his own image, (b)

in true righteousness and holiness, that he might rightly know God his Creator,
heartily love him and live with him in eternal happiness to glorify and praise
him. (c)

(a) Gen.1:31. (b) Gen.1:26,27. (c) Col.3:9,10; Eph.4:23,24; 2

Cor.3:18.

Q. 7.

Whence then proceeds this depravity of human nature?

A.

From the fall and disobedience of our first parents,

Adam and Eve, in Paradise; (a)

hence our nature is become so corrupt, that we are all conceived and born in
sin. (b)

(a) Gen.3; Rom.5:12,18,19. (b) Ps.51:5; Gen.5:3.

Q. 8.

Are we then so corrupt that we are wholly incapable of doing any good,
and inclined to all wickedness?

A.

Indeed we are; (a)

except we are regenerated by the Spirit of God. (b)

(a) Gen.8:21; John 3:6; Gen.6:5; Job 14:4; Job 15:14,16,36; Isa.53:6.

(b) John 3:3,5; 1 Cor.12:3; 2 Cor.3:5.

4. Lord's Day

Q. 9.

Does not God then do injustice to man, by requiring from him in his law,
that which he cannot perform?

A.

Not at all; (a)

for God made man capable of performing it;

but man, by the instigation of the devil, (b)

and his own wilful disobedience, (c)

deprived himself and all his posterity of those divine gifts.

(a) Eph.4:24; Eccl.7:29. (b) John 8:44; 2 Cor.11:3; Gen.3:4. (c)

Gen.3:6; Rom.5:12; Gen.3:13; 1 Tim.2:13,14.

Q. 10.

Will God suffer such disobedience and rebellion to go unpunished?

A.

By no means;

but is terribly displeased (a)

with our original as well as actual sins; and will punish them in his just
judgment temporally and eternally, (b)

as he has declared, "Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things,
which are written in the book of the law, to do them." (c)

(a) Gen.2:17; Rom.5:12. (b) Ps.5:5; Ps.50:21; Nah.1:2; Exod.20:5;

Exod.34:7; Rom.1:18; Eph.5:6; Heb.9:27. (c) Deut.27:26; Gal.3:10.

Q. 11.

Is not God then also merciful?

A.

God is indeed merciful, (a)

but also just; (b)

therefore his justice requires, that sin which is committed against the most
high majesty of God, be also punished with extreme, that is, with everlasting
punishment of body and soul.

11. Lord's Day

and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any
other. (b)

(a) Matt.1:21; Heb.7:24,25. (b) Acts 4:12; John 15:4,5; 1 Tim.2:5;

Isa.43:11; 1 John 5:11.

Q. 30.

Do such then believe in Jesus the only Saviour, who seek their salvation
and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?

A.

They do not;

for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only
deliverer and Saviour; (a)

for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete
Saviour; or that they, who by a true faith receive this Saviour, must find all
things in him necessary to their salvation. (b)

(a) 1 Cor.1:13,30,31; Gal.5:4. (b) Heb.12:2; Isa.9:6; Col.1:19,20;

Col.2:10; 1 John 1:7,16.

12. Lord's Day

Q. 31.

Why is he called "Christ", that is anointed?

A.

Because he is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy
Ghost, (a)

to be our chief Prophet and Teacher, (b)

who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God concerning our
redemption; (c)

and to be our only High Priest, (d)

who by the one sacrifice of his body, has redeemed us, (e)

and makes continual intercession with the Father for us; (f)

and also to be our eternal King, who governs us by his word and Spirit, and who
defends and preserves us in that salvation, he has purchased for us. (g)

(a) Heb.1:9; Ps.45:8; Isa.61:1; Luke 4:18. (b) Deut.18:15; Acts 3:22;

Acts 7:37; Isa.55:4. (c) John 1:18; John 15:15. (d) Ps.110:4. (e)

Heb.10:12,14; Heb.9:12,14,28. (f) Rom.8:34; Heb.9:24; 1 John 2:1;

Rom.5:9,10. (g) Ps.2:6; Zech.9:9; Matt.21:5; Luke 1:33; Matt.28:18;

John 10:28; Rev.12:10,11.

Q. 32.

But why art thou called a Christian? (a)

A.

Because I am a member of Christ by faith, (b)

and thus am partaker of his anointing; (c)

that so I may confess his name, (d)

and present myself a living sacrifice of thankfulness to him: (e)

and also that with a free and good conscience I may fight against sin and Satan
in this life (f)

and afterwards I reign with him eternally, over all creatures. (g)

(a) Acts 11:26. (b) 1 Cor.6:15. (c) 1 John 2:27; Acts 2:17. (d)

Matt.10:32; Rom.10:10; Mark 8:38. (e) Rom.12:1; 1 Pet.2:5,9;

Rev.5:8,10; Rev.1:6. (f) 1 Pet.2:11; Rom.6:12,13; Gal.5:16,17;

Eph.6:11; 1 Tim.1:18,19. (g) 2 Tim.2:12; Matt.24:34.

13. Lord's Day

Q. 33.

Why is Christ called the "only begotten Son" of God, since we are also
the children of God?

A.

Because Christ alone is the eternal and natural Son of God; (a)

but we are children adopted of God, by grace, for his sake. (b)

(a) John 1:1-3,14,18; Heb.1:1,2; John 3:16; 1 John 4:9; Rom.8:32. (b)

Rom.8:15-17; John 1:12; Gal.4:6; Eph.1:5,6.

Q. 34.

Wherefore callest thou him "our Lord"?

A.

Because he hath redeemed us, both soul and body, from all our sins,

not with silver or gold, but with his precious blood, and has delivered us from
all the power of the devil; and thus has made us his own property. (a)

(a) 1 Pet.1:18,19; 1 Pet.2:9; 1 Cor.6:20; 1 Cor.7:23; 1 Tim.2:6; John

20:28.

14. Lord's Day

Q. 35.

What is the meaning of these words "He was conceived by the Holy Ghost,
born of the virgin Mary"?

A.

That God's eternal Son, who is, and continues (a)

true and eternal God, (b)

took upon him the very nature of man, of the flesh and blood of the virgin
Mary, (c)

and with His innocence and perfect holiness, covers in the sight of God, my
sins, wherein I was conceived and brought forth. (b)

(a) Heb.7:26,27; Heb.2:17. (b) 1 Pet.1:18,19; 1 Pet.3:18; 1

Cor.1:30,31; Rom.8:3,4; Isa.53:11; Ps.32:1.

15. Lord's Day

Q. 37.

What dost thou understand by the words, "He suffered"?

A.

That he, all the time that he lived on earth, but especially at the end
of his life, sustained in body and soul, the wrath of God against the sins of
all mankind: (a)

that so by his passion, as the only propitiatory sacrifice, (b)

he might redeem our body and soul from everlasting damnation, (c)

and obtain for us the favour of God, righteousness and eternal life. (d)

(a) Isa.53:4; 1 Pet.2:24; 1 Pet.3:18; 1 Tim.2:6. (b) Isa.53:10,12;

Eph.5:2; 1 Cor.5:7; 1 John 2:2; 1 John 4:10; Rom.3:25; Heb.9:28;

Heb.10:14. (c) Gal.3:13; Col.1:13; Heb.9:12; 1 Pet.1:18,19. (d)

Rom.3:25; 2 Cor.5:21; John 3:16; John 6:51; Heb.9:15; Heb.10:19.

Q. 38.

Why did he suffer "under Pontius Pilate, as judge"?

A.

That he, being innocent, and yet condemned by a temporal judge, (a)

might thereby free us from the severe judgement of God to which we were
exposed. (b)

(a) John 18:38; Matt.27:24; Acts 4:27,28; Luke 23:14,15; John 19:4.

(b) Ps.69:4; Isa.53:4,5; 2 Cor.5:21; Gal.3:13.

Q. 39.

Is there anything more in his being "crucified", than if he had died
some other death?

A.

Yes there is; for thereby I am assured, that he took on him the curse
which lay upon me; (a)

for the death of the cross was accursed of God. (b)

(a) Gal.3:13. (b) Deut.21:23.

16. Lord's Day

Q. 40.

Why was it necessary for Christ to humble himself even "unto death"?

A.

Because with respect to the justice and truth of God, (a)

satisfaction for our sins could be made no otherwise, than by the death of the
Son of God. (b)

(a) Gen.2:17. (b) Rom.8:3,4; Heb.2:9,14,15.

Q. 41.

Why was he also "buried"?

A.

Thereby to prove that he was really dead. (a)

(a) Matt.27:59,60; Luke 23:52,53; John 19:38-42; Acts 13:29.

Q. 42.

Since then Christ died for us, why must we also die?

A.

Our death is not a satisfaction for our sins, (a)

but only an abolishing of sin, and a passage into eternal life. (b)

(a) Mark 8:37; Ps.49:7. (b) John 5:24; Philip.1:23; Rom.7:24.

Q. 43.

What further benefit do we receive from the sacrifice and death of
Christ on the cross?

A.

That by virtue thereof, our old man is crucified, dead and buried with
him; (a)

that so the corrupt inclinations of the flesh may no more reign in us; (b)

but that we may offer ourselves unto him a sacrifice of thanksgiving. (c)

(a) Rom.6:6. (b) Rom.6:6-8,11,12; Col.2:12. (c) Rom.12:1.

Q. 44.

Why is there added, "he descended into hell"?

A.

That in my greatest temptations, I may be assured, and wholly comfort
myself in this, that my Lord Jesus Christ, by his inexpressible anguish, pains,
terrors, and hellish agonies, in which he was plunged during all his
sufferings, (a)

but especially on the cross, has delivered me from the anguish and torments of
hell. (b)

(a) Ps.18:5,6; Ps.116:3; Matt.26:38; Heb.5:7; Isa.53:10; Matt.27:46.

(b) Isa.53:5.

17. Lord's Day

Q. 45.

What does the "resurrection" of Christ profit us?

A.

First, by his resurrection he has overcome death, that he might make us
partakers of that righteousness which he had purchased for us by his death;
(a)

secondly, we are also by his power raised up to a new life; (b)

and lastly, the resurrection of Christ is a sure pledge of our blessed
resurrection. (c)

(a) 1 Cor.15:16; Rom.4:25; 1 Pet.1:3. (b) Rom.6:4; Col.3:1,3;

Eph.2:5,6. (c) 1 Cor.15:12,20,21; Rom.8:11.

18. Lord's Day

Q. 46.

How dost thou understand these words, "he ascended into heaven"?

A.

That Christ, in sight of his disciples, was taken up from earth into
heaven; (a)

and that he continues there for our interest, (b)

until he comes again to judge the quick and the dead. (c)

(a) Acts 1:9; Matt.26:64; Mark 16:19; Luke 24:51. (b) Heb.7:25;

Heb.4:14; Heb.9:24; Rom.8:34; Eph.4:10; Col.3:1. (c) Acts 1:11;

Matt.24:30.

Q. 47.

Is not Christ then with us even to the end of the world, as he has
promised? (a)

A.

Christ is very man and very God; with respect to his human nature, he is
no more on earth; (b)

but with respect to his Godhead, majesty, grace and spirit, he is at no time
absent from us. (c)

(a) Matt.28:20. (b) Heb.8:4; Matt.26:11; John 16:28; John 17:11; Acts

3:21. (c) John 14:17-19; John 16:13; Matt.28:20; Eph.4:8,12.

Q. 48.

But if his human nature is not present, wherever his Godhead is, are not
then these two natures in Christ separated from one another?

A.

Not as all, for since the Godhead is illimitable and omnipresent, (a)

it must necessarily follow that the same is beyond the limits of the human
nature he assumed, (b)

and yet is nevertheless in this human nature, and remains personally united to
it.

(a) Acts 7:49; Jer.23:24. (b) Col.2:9; John 3:13; John 11:15;

Matt.28:6.

Q. 49.

Of what advantage to us is Christ's ascension into heaven?

A.

First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven;
(a)

secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as the
head, will also take up to himself, us, his members; (b)

thirdly, that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, (c)

by whose power we "seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the
right hand of God, and not things on earth." (d)

(a) 1 John 2:1; Rom.8:34. (b) John 14:2; John 17:24; John 20:17;

Eph.2:6. (c) John 14:16,7; Acts 2:1-4,33; 2 Cor.1:22; 2 Cor.5:5. (d)

Col.3:1; Philip.3:14.

19. Lord's Day

Q. 50.

Why is it added,

"and sitteth at the right hand of God"?

A.

Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end, that he might
appear as head of his church, (a)

by whom the Father governs all things. (b)

(a) Eph.1:20,21,23; Col.1:18. (b) Matt.28:18; John 5:22.

Q. 51.

What profit is this glory of Christ, our head, unto us?

A.

First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours out heavenly graces upon us his
members; (a)

and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.
(b)

(a) Acts 2:33; Eph.4:8. (b) Ps.2:9; Ps.110:1,2; John 10:28; Eph.4:8.

Q. 62.

What comfort is it to thee that "Christ shall come again to judge the
quick and the dead"?

A.

That in all my sorrows and persecutions, with uplifted head I look for
the very same person, who before offered himself for my sake, to the tribunal
of God, and has removed all curse from me, to come as judge from heaven: (a)

who shall cast all his and my enemies into everlasting condemnation, (b)

but shall translate me with all his chosen ones to himself, into heavenly joys
and glory. (c)

That God, for the sake of Christ's satisfaction, will no more remember
my sins, neither my corrupt nature, against which I have to struggle all my
life long; (a)

but will graciously impute to me the righteousness of Christ, (b)

that I may never be condemned before the tribunal of God. (c)

(a) 1 John 2:2; 1 John 1:7; 2 Cor.5:19,21. (b) Jer.31:34; Ps.103:3,4;

Ps.103:10,12; Mic.7:19,23-25. (c) Rom.8:1-4; John 3:18; John 5:24.

22. Lord's Day

Q. 57.

What comfort does the "resurrection of the body" afford thee?

A.

That not only my soul after this life shall be immediately taken up to
Christ its head; (a)

but also, that this my body, being raised by the power of Christ, shall be
reunited with my soul, and made like unto the glorious body of Christ. (b)

(a) Luke 16:22; Luke 23:43; Philip.1:21,23. (b) 1 Cor.15:53,54; Job

19:25,26; 1 John 3:2; Philip.3:21.

Q. 58.

What comfort takest thou from the article of "life everlasting"?

A.

That

since I now feel in my heart the beginning of eternal joy, (a)

after this life, I shall inherit perfect salvation, which "eye has not seen,
nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man" to conceive, and
that to praise God therein for ever. (b)

(a) 2 Cor.5:2,3. (b) 1 Cor.2:9; John 17:3.

23. Lord's Day

Q. 59.

But what does it profit thee now that thou believest all this?

A.

That I am righteous in Christ, before God, and an heir of eternal life.
(a)

(a) Hab.2:4; Rom.1:17; John 3:36.

Q. 60.

How are thou righteous before God?

A.

Only by a true faith in Jesus Christ; (a)

so that, though my conscience accuse me, that I have grossly transgressed all
the commandments of God, and kept none of them, (b)

and am still inclined to all evil; (c)

notwithstanding, God, without any merit of mine, (d)

but only of mere grace, (e)

grants and imputes to me, (f)

the perfect satisfaction, (g)

righteousness and holiness of Christ; (h)

even so, as if I never had had, nor committed any sin: yea, as if I had fully
accomplished all that obedience which Christ has accomplished for me; (i)

inasmuch as I embrace such benefit with a believing heart. (j)

(a) Rom.3:21-25,28; Rom.5:1,2; Gal.2:16; Eph.2:8,9; Philip.3:9. (b)

Rom.3:9. (c) Rom.7:23. (d) Tit.3:5; Deut.9:6; Ezek.36:22. (e)

Rom.3:24; Eph.2:8. (f) Rom.4:4,5; 2 Cor.5:19. (g) 1 John 2:2. (h)

1 John 2:1. (i) 2 Cor.5:21. (j) Rom.3:22; John 3:18.

Q. 61.

Why sayest thou, that thou art righteous by faith only?

A.

Not that I am acceptable to God, on account of the worthiness of my
faith; but because only the satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness of
Christ, is my righteousness before God; (a)

and that I cannot receive and apply the same to myself any other way than by
faith only. (b)

(a) 1 Cor.1:30; 1 Cor.2:2. (b) 1 John 5:10.

24. Lord's Day

Q. 62.

But why cannot our good works be the whole, or part of our righteousness
before God?

A.

Because, that the righteousness, which can be approved of before the
tribunal of God, must be absolutely perfect, (a)

and in all respects conformable to the divine law; and also, that our best
works in this life are all imperfect and defiled with sin. (b)

(a) Gal.3:10; Deut.27:26. (b) Isa.64:6.

Q. 63.

What! do not our good works merit, which yet God will reward in this and
in a future life?

A.

This reward is not of merit, but of grace. (a)

(a) Luke 17:10.

Q. 64.

But does not this doctrine make men careless and profane?

A.

By no means: for it is impossible that those, who are implanted into
Christ by a true faith, should not bring forth fruits of thankfulness. (a)

(a) Matt.7:18; John 15:5.

Of The Sacraments

25. Lord's Day

Q. 65.

Since then we are made partakers of Christ and all his benefits by faith
only, whence does this faith proceed?

A.

From the Holy Ghost, (a)

who works faith in our hearts by the preaching of the gospel, and confirms it
by the use of the sacraments. (b)

(a) Eph.2:8,9; Eph.6:23; John 3:5; Philip.1:29. (b) Matt.28:19,20; 1

Pet.1:22,23.

Q. 66.

What are the sacraments?

A.

The sacraments are holy visible signs and seals, appointed of God for
this end, that by the use thereof, he may the more fully declare and seal to us
the promise of the gospel, viz., that he grants us freely the remission of sin,
and life eternal, for the sake of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on
the cross. (a)

(a) Gen.17:11; Rom.4:11; Deut.30:6; Lev.6:25; Heb.9:7-9,24;

Ezek.20:12; Isa.6:6,7; Isa.54:9.

Q. 67.

Are both word and sacraments, then, ordained and appointed for this end,
that they may direct our faith to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross,
as the only ground of our salvation? (a)

A.

Yes, indeed: for the Holy Ghost teaches us in the gospel, and assures
us by the sacraments, that the whole of our salvation depends upon that one
sacrifice of Christ which he offered for us on the cross.

(a) Rom.6:3; Gal.3:27.

Q. 68.

How many sacraments has Christ instituted in the new covenant, or
testament?

A.

Two: namely, holy baptism, and the holy supper.

Of Holy Baptism

26. Lord's Day

Q. 69.

How art thou admonished and assured by holy baptism, that the one
sacrifice of Christ upon the cross is of real advantage to thee?

A.

Thus: That Christ appointed this external washing with water, (a)

adding thereto this promise, (b)

that I am as certainly washed by his blood and Spirit from all the pollution of
my soul, that is, from all my sins, (c)

as I am washed externally with water, by which the filthiness of the body is
commonly washed away.

It is to receive of God the remission of sins, freely, for the sake of
Christ's blood, which he shed for us by his sacrifice upon the cross; (a)

and also to be renewed by the Holy Ghost, and sanctified to be members of
Christ, that so we may more and more die unto sin, and lead holy and unblamable
lives. (b)

(a) Heb.12:24; 1 Pet.1:2; Rev.1:5; Rev.7:14; Zech.13:1; Ezek.36:25.

(b) John 1:33; John 3:5; 1 Cor.6:11; 1 Cor.12:13; Rom.6:4; Col.2:12.

Q. 71.

Where has Christ promised us, that he will as certainly wash us by his
blood and Spirit, as we are washed with the water of baptism?

A.

In the institution of baptism, which is thus expressed: "Go ye,
therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and
of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost", Matt.28:19.

And "he that believeth, and is baptized, shall be saved; but he that believeth
not, shall be damned.", Mark 16:16.

This promise is also repeated, where the scripture calls baptism "the washing
of regenerations" and the washing away of sins. Tit.3:5,

Acts 22:16. (a)

(a) Tit.3:5; Acts 22:16.

27. Lord's Day

Q. 72.

Is then the external baptism with water the washing away of sin
itself?

A.

Not at all: (a)

for the blood of Jesus Christ only, and the Holy Ghost cleanse us from all sin.
(b)

(a) Matt.3:11; 1 Pet.3:21; Eph.5:26,27. (b) 1 John 1:7; 1 Cor.6:11.

Q. 73.

Why then does the Holy Ghost call baptism "the washing of regeneration,"
and "the washing away of sins"?

A.

God speaks thus not without great cause, to-wit, not only thereby to
teach us, that as the filth of the body is purged away by water, so our sins
are removed by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ; (a)

but especially that by this divine pledge and sign he may assure us, that we
are spiritually cleansed from our sins as really, as we are externally washed
with water. (b)

(a) Rev.1:5; Rev.7:14; 1 Cor.6:11. (b) Mark 16:16; Gal.3:27.

Q. 74.

Are infants also to be baptized?

A.

Yes:

for since they, as well as the adult, are included in the covenant and church
of God; (a)

and since redemption from sin (b)

by the blood of Christ, and the Holy Ghost, the author of faith, is promised to
them no less than to the adult; (c)

they must therefore by baptism, as a sign of the covenant, be also admitted
into the christian church; and be distinguished from the children of
unbelievers (d)

as was done in the old covenant or testament by circumcision, (e)

instead of which baptism is instituted (f)

in the new covenant.

(a) Gen.17:7. (b) Matt.19:14. (c) Luke 1:15; Ps.22:10; Isa.44:1-3;

Acts 2:39. (d) Acts 10:47. (e) Gen.17:14. (f) Col.2:11-13.

Of The Holy Supper Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

28 Lord's Day

Q. 75.

How art thou admonished and assured in the Lord's Supper, that thou art
a partaker of that one sacrifice of Christ, accomplished on the cross, and of
all his benefits?

A.

Thus: That Christ has commanded me and all believers, to eat of this
broken bread, and to drink of this cup, in remembrance of him, adding these
promises: (a)

first, that his body was offered and broken on the cross for me, and his blood
shed for me, as certainly as I see with my eyes, the bread of the Lord broken
for me, and the cup communicated to me; and further, that he feeds and
nourishes my soul to everlasting life, with his crucified body and shed blood,
as assuredly as I receive from the hands of the minister, and taste with my
mouth the bread and cup of the Lord, as certain signs of the body and blood of
Christ.

(a) Matt.26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19,20; 1 Cor.10:16,17;

1 Cor.11:23-25; 1 Cor.12:13.

Q. 76.

What is it then to eat the crucified body, and drink the shed blood of
Christ?

A.

It is not only to embrace with believing heart all the sufferings and
death of Christ and thereby to obtain the pardon of sin, and life eternal;
(a)

but also, besides that, to become more and more united to his sacred body,
(b)

by the Holy Ghost, who dwells both in Christ and in us; so that we, though
Christ is in heaven (c)

and we on earth, are notwithstanding "flesh of his flesh and bone of his bone"
(d)

and that we live, and are governed forever by one spirit, (e)

as members of the same body are by one soul.

(a) John 6:35,40,47-54. (b) John 6:55,56. (c) Col.3:1; Acts 3:21;

1 Cor.11:26. (d) Eph.3:16; Eph.5:29,30,32; 1 Cor.6:15,17,19; 1 John

3:24; 1 John 4:13; John 14:23. (e) John 6:56-58; John 15:1-6;

Eph.4:15,16.

Q. 77. Where has Christ promised that he will as
certainly feed and nourish believers with his body and bleed, as they eat of
this broken bread, and drink of this cup?A.

In the institution of the supper, which is thus expressed: (a)
"The Lord Jesus, the same night in which he
was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and: said:
eat, this is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me.
After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying: this
cup is the new testament in my blood; this do ye, as often as ye drink it, in
remembrance of me.
For, as often as ye eat this bread, and drink
this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." 1 Cor.11:23-26.
This promise is repeated by the holy apostle
Paul, where he says "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the
communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the
communion of the body of Christ? For we being many are one bread, and one
body: for we are all partakers of that one bread." 1 Cor.10:16,17.

(a) 1 Cor.11:23-25; Matt.26:26-28; Mark 14:22-24; Luke 22:19,20;

1 Cor.10:16,17.

29 Lord's Day

Q. 78.

Do then the bread and wine become the very body and blood of Christ?

A.

Not at all: (a)

but as the water in baptism is not changed into the blood of Christ, neither is
the washing away of sin itself, being only the sign and confirmation thereof
appointed of God; (b)

so the bread in the Lord's supper is not changed into the very body of Christ;
(c)

though agreeably to the nature and properties of sacraments, (d)

it is called the body of Christ Jesus.

(a) Matt.26:29. (b) Eph.5:26; Tit.3:5. (c) Mark 14:24; 1

Cor.10:16,17,26-28. (d) Gen.17:10,11,14,19; Exod.12:11,13,27,43,48;

Exod.13:9; 1 Pet.3:21; 1 Cor.10:1-4.

Q. 79.

Why then doth Christ call the bread "his body", and the cup "his blood",
or "the new covenant in his blood"; and Paul the "communion of body and blood
of Christ"?

A. Christ speaks thus, not without great reason,
namely, not only thereby to teach us, that as bread and wine support this
temporal life, so his crucified body and shed blood are the true meat and
drink, whereby our souls are fed to eternal life; (a)
but more especially by these visible signs and
pledges to assure us, that we are as really partakers of his true body and
blood by the operation of the Holy Ghost as we receive by the mouths of our
bodies these holy signs in remembrance of him; (b)
and that all his sufferings and obedience are as
certainly ours, as if we had in our own persons suffered and made satisfaction
for our sins to God.

(a) John 6:51,55. (b) 1 Cor.10:16,17.

30. Lord's Day

Q. 80.

What difference is there between the Lord's supper and the popish
mass?

A.

The Lord's supper testifies to us, that we have a full pardon of all sin
by the only sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which he himself has once accomplished
on the cross; (a)

and, that we by the Holy Ghost are ingrafted into Christ, (b)

who, according to his human nature is now not on earth, but in heaven, at the
right hand of God his Father, (c)

and will there be worshipped by us. (d)

But the mass teaches, that the living and dead have not the pardon of sins
through the sufferings of Christ, unless Christ is also daily offered for them
by the priests; and further, that Christ is bodily under the form of bread and
wine, and therefore is to be worshipped in them; so that the mass, at bottom,
is nothing else than a denial of the one sacrifice and sufferings of Jesus
Christ, and an accursed idolatry. (e)

For those who are truly sorrowful for their sins, and yet trust that
these are forgiven them for the sake of Christ; and that their remaining
infirmities are covered by his passion and death; and who also earnestly
desire to have their faith more and more strengthened, and their lives more
holy; but hypocrites, and such as turn not to God with sincere hearts, eat and
drink judgment to themselves. (a)

(a) 1 Cor.10:19-22; 1 Cor.11:28,29.

Q. 82.

Are they also to be admitted to this supper, who, by confession and
life, declare themselves unbelieving and ungodly?

A.

No; for by this, the covenant of God would be profaned, and his wrath
kindled against the whole congregation; (a)

therefore it is the duty of the christian church, according to the appointment
of Christ and his apostles, to exclude such persons, by the keys of the kingdom
of heaven, till they show amendment of life.

(a) 1 Cor.11:20,34; Isa.1:11-15; Isa.66:3; Jer.7:21-23; Ps.50:16.

31. Lord's Day

Q. 83.

What are the keys of the kingdom of heaven?

A.

The preaching of the holy gospel, and christian discipline, or
excommunication out of the christian church; by these two, the kingdom of
heaven is opened to believers, and shut against unbelievers.

Q. 84.

How is the kingdom of heaven opened and shut by the preaching of the
holy gospel?

A.

Thus: when according to the command of Christ, it is declared and
publicly testified to all and every believer, that, whenever they receive the
promise of the gospel by a true faith, all their sins are really forgiven them
of God, for the sake of Christ's merits; and on the contrary, when it is
declared and testified to all unbelievers, and such as do not sincerely repent,
that they stand exposed to the wrath of God, and eternal condemnation, so long
as they are unconverted: (a) according to which testimony of the gospel, God
will judge them, both in this, and in the life to come.

(a) Matt.16:18,19; Matt.18:15-19; John 20:21-23.

Q. 85.

How is the kingdom of heaven shut and opened by christian discipline?

A.

Thus: when according to the command of Christ, those, who under the name
of christians, maintain doctrines, or practices inconsistent therewith, and
will not, after having been often brotherly admonished, renounce their errors
and wicked course of life, are complained of to the church, or to those, who
are thereunto appointed by the church; and if they despise their admonition,
are by them forbidden the use of the sacraments; whereby they are excluded
from the christian church, and by God himself from the kingdom of Christ; and
when they promise and show real amendment, are again received as members of
Christ and his church. (a)

32. Lord's Day

Q. 86.

Since then we are delivered from our misery, merely of grace, through
Christ, without any merit of ours, why must we still do good works?

A.

Because Christ, having redeemed and delivered us by his blood, also
renews us by his Holy Spirit, after his own image; that so we may testify, by
the whole of our conduct, our gratitude to God for his blessings, (a)

and that he may be praised by us; (b)

also, that every one may be assured in himself of his faith, (c)

by the fruits thereof; and that, by our godly conversation others may be
gained to Christ. (d)

Cannot they then be saved, who, continuing in their wicked and
ungrateful lives, are not converted to God?

A.

By no means; for the holy scripture declares that no unchaste person,
idolater, adulterer, thief, covetous man, drunkard, slanderer, robber, or any
such like, shall inherit the kingdom of God. (a)

(a) 1 Cor.6:9,10; Eph.5:5,6; 1 John 3:14.

33. Lord's Day

Q. 88.

Of how many parts does the true conversion of man consist?

A.

Of two parts; of the mortification of the old, and the quickening of
the new man. (a)

(a) Rom.6:1,4-6; Eph.4:22-24; Col.3:5-10; 1 Cor.5:7; 2 Cor.7:10.

Q. 89.

What is the mortification of the old man?

A.

It is a sincere sorrow of heart, that we have provoked God by our sins;
and more and more to hate and flee from them. (a)

(a) Rom.8:13; Joel 2:13; Hos.6:1.

Q. 90.

What is the quickening of the new man?

A.

It is a sincere joy of heart in God, through Christ, (a)

and with love and delight to live according to the will of God in all good
works. (b)

(a) Rom.5:1; Rom.14:17; Isa.57:15. (b) Rom.6:10,11; Gal.2:20.

Q. 91.

But what are good works?

A.

Only those which proceed from a true faith, (a)

are performed according to the law of God, (b)

and to his glory; (c)

and not such as are founded on our imaginations, or the institutions of men.
(d)

(a) Rom.14:23. (b) Lev.18:4; 1 Sam.15:22; Eph.2:10. (c) 1 Cor.10:31.

(d) Deut.12:32; Ezek.20:18,19; Isa.29:13; Matt.15:7-9.

34. Lord's Day

Q. 92.

What is the law of God?

A.

God spake all these words, Exodus 20:1-17 and Denteronomy 5:6-21,
saying: I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of
Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1st commandment:

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2nd commandment:

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any
thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in
the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve
them; for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the
fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that
hate me, and shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my
commandments.

3rd commandment:

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD
will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

4th commandment:

Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour,
and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God:
in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy
manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is
within thy gates. For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and
all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed
the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

5th commandment:

Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the
land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

Idolatry is, instead of, or besides that one true God, who has
manifested himself in his word, to contrive, or have any other object, in which
men place their trust. (a)

(a) Eph.5:5; 1 Chron.16:26; Philip.3:19; Gal.4:8; Eph.2:12; 1 John

2:23; 2 John 1:9; John 5:23.

35. Lord's Day

Q. 96.

What does God require in the second commandment?

A.

That we in no wise represent God by images, (a)

nor worship him in any other way than he has commanded in his word. (b)

(a) Deut.4:15-19; Isa.40:18-25; Rom.1:23,24; Acts 17:29. (b)

1 Sam.15:23; Deut.12:30-32; Matt.15:9.

Q. 97.

Are images then not at all to be made?

A.

God neither can, nor may be represented by any means: (a)

but as to creatures; though they may be represented, yet God forbids to make,
or have any resemblance of them, either in order to worship them or to serve
God by them. (b)

(a) Isa.40:25. (b) Exod.23:24,25; Exod.34:13,14,17; Num.33:52;

Deut.7:5; Deut.12:3; Deut.16:21; 2 Kin.18:3,4.

Q. 98.

But may not images be tolerated in the churches, as books to the
laity?

A.

No: for we must not pretend to be wiser than God, who will have his
people taught, not by dumb images, (a)

but by the lively preaching of his word. (b)

(a) Jer.10:8; Hab.2:18,19. (b) Rom.10:14,15,17; 2 Pet.1:19; 2

Tim.3:16,17.

36. Lord's Day

Q. 99.

What is required in the third commandment?

A.

That we, not only by cursing (a)

or perjury, (b)

but also by rash swearing, (c)

must not profane or abuse the name of God; nor by silence or connivance be
partakers of these horrible sins in others; (d)

and, briefly, that we use the holy name of God no otherwise than with fear and
reverence; (e)

so that he may be rightly confessed (f)

and worshipped by us, (g)

and be glorified in all our words and works. (h)

(a) Lev.24:11-16. (b) Lev.19:12. (c) Matt.5:37; James 5:12. (d)

Lev.5:1; Prov.29:24. (e) Jer.4:2; Isa.45:23. (f) Rom.10:9,10;

Matt.10:32. (g) Ps.50:15; 1 Tim.2:8. (h) Rom.2:24; 1 Tim.6:1;

Col.3:16,17.

Q. 100.

Is then the profaning of God's name, by swearing and cursing, so heinous
a sin, that his wrath is kindled against those who do not endeavour, as much as
in them lies, to prevent and forbid such cursing and swearing?

A.

It undoubtedly is, (a)

for there is no sin greater or more provoking to God, than the profaning of his
name; and therefore he has commanded this sin to be punished with death. (b)

(a) Prov.29:24; Lev.5:1. (b) Lev.24:15,16.

37. Lord's Day

Q. 101.

May we then swear religiously by the name of God?

A.

Yes: either when the magistrates demand it of the subjects; or when
necessity requires us thereby to confirm a fidelity and truth to the glory of
God, and the safety of our neighbour: for such an oath is founded on God's
word, (a)

and therefore was justly used by the saints, both in the Old and New Testament.
(b)

(a) Deut.6:13; Deut.10:20; Isa.48:1; Heb.6:16. (b) Gen.21:24;

Gen.31:53,54; Jos.9:15,19; 1 Sam.24:22; 2 Sam.3:35; 1 Kin.1:28-30;

Rom.1:9; 2 Cor.1:23.

Q. 102.

May we also swear by saints or any other creatures?

A.

No; for a lawful oath is calling upon God, as the only one who knows
the heart, that he will bear witness to the truth, and punish me if I swear
falsely; (a)

which honour is due to no creature. (b)

(a) 2 Cor.1:23; Rom.9:1. (b) Matt.5:34-36; James 5:12.

38. Lord's Day

Q. 103.

What does God require in the fourth commandment?

A.

First, that the ministry of the gospel and the schools be maintained;
(a)

and that I, especially on the sabbath, that is, on the day of rest, diligently
frequent the church of God, (b)

to hear his word, (c)

to use the sacraments, (d)

publicly to call upon the Lord, (e)

and contribute to the relief of the poor. (f)

Secondly, that all the days of my life I cease from my evil works, and yield
myself to the Lord, to work by his Holy Spirit in me: and thus begin in this
life the eternal sabbath. (g)

(a) Tit.1:5; 2 Tim.3:14,15; 1 Tim.5:17; 1 Cor.9:11,13,14; 2 Tim.2:2.

(b) Ps.40:10,11; Ps.68:27; Acts 2:42,46. (c) 1 Tim.4:13,19;

1 Cor.14:29,31. (d) 1 Cor.11:33. (e) 1 Tim.2:1-3,8-11; 1 Cor.14:16.

(f) 1 Cor.16:2. (g) Isa.66:23.

39. Lord's Day

Q. 104.

What does God require in the fifth commandment?

A.

That I show all honour, love and fidelity, to my father and mother, and
all in authority over me, and submit myself to their good instruction and
correction, with due obedience; (a)

and also patiently bear with their weaknesses and infirmities, (b)

since it pleases God to govern us by their hand. (c)

(a) Eph.5:22; Eph.6:1-5; Col.3:18,20-24; Prov.1:8; Prov.4:1;

Prov.15:20; Prov.20:20; Exod.21:17; Rom.13:1-7. (b) Prov.23:22;

Gen.9:24,25; 1 Pet.2:18. (c) Eph.6:4,9; Col.3:19-21; Rom.13:2,3;

Matt.22:21.

40. Lord's Day

Q. 105.

What does God require in the sixth commandment?

A.

That neither in thoughts, nor words, nor gestures, much less in deeds, I
dishonour, hate, wound, or kill my neighbour, by myself or by another: (a)

but that I lay aside all desire of revenge: (b)

also, that I hurt not myself, nor wilfully expose myself to any danger. (c)

Wherefore also the magistrate is armed with the sword, to prevent murder. (d)

Does God forbid in this commandment, only adultery, and such like gross
sins?

A.

Since both our body and soul are temples of the holy Ghost, he commands
us to preserve them pure and holy: therefore he forbids all unchaste actions,
gestures, words, (a)

thoughts, desires, (b)

and whatever can entice men thereto. (c)

(a) Eph.5:3,4; 1 Cor.6:18-20. (b) Matt.5:27,28. (c) Eph.5:18;

1 Cor.15:33.

42. Lord's Day

Q. 110.

What does God forbid in the eighth commandment?

A.

God forbids not only those thefts, (a)

and robberies, (b)

which are punishable by the magistrate; but he comprehends under the name of
theft all wicked tricks and devices, whereby we design to appropriate to
ourselves the goods which belong to our neighbour: (c)

whether it be by force, or under the appearance of right, as by unjust weights,
ells, measures, fraudulent merchandise, (d)

false coins, usury, (e)

or by any other way forbidden by God; as also all covetousness, (f)

all abuse and waste of his gifts. (g)

(a) 1 Cor.6:10. (b) 1 Cor.5:10; Isa.33:1. (c) Luke 3:14; 1 Thess.4:6.

(d) Prov.11:1; Prov.16:11; Ezek.45:9-12; Deut.25:13-16. (e) Ps.15:5;

Luke 6:35. (f) 1 Cor.6:10. (g) Prov.23:20,21; Prov.21:20.

Q. 111.

But what does God require in this commandment?

A.

That I promote the advantage of my neighbour in every instance I can or
may; and deal with him as I desire to be dealt with by others: (a)

further also that I faithfully labour, so that I may be able to relieve the
needy. (b)

(a) Matt.7:12. (b) Eph.4:28.

43. Lord's Day

Q. 112.

What is required in the ninth commandment?

A.

That I bear false witness against no man, (a)

nor falsify any man's words; (b)

that I be no backbiter, nor slanderer; (c)

that I do not judge, nor join in condemning any man rashly, or unheard; (d)

but that I avoid all sorts of lies and deceit, as the proper works of the
devil, (e)

unless I would bring down upon me the heavy wrath of God; (f)

likewise, that in judgment and all other dealings I love the truth, speak it
uprightly and confess it; (g)

also that I defend and promote, as much as I am able, the horror and good
character of my neighbour. (h)

44. Lord's Day

Q. 113.

What does the tenth commandment require of us?

A.

That even the smallest inclination or thought, contrary to any of God's
commandments, never rise in our hearts; but that at all times we hate all sin
with our whole heart, and delight in all righteousness. (a)

(a) Rom.7:7.

Q. 114.

But can those who are converted to God perfectly keep these
commandments?

A.

No: but even the holiest men, while in this life, have only a small
beginning of this obedience; (a)

yet so, that with a sincere resolution they begin to live, not only according
to some, but all the commandments of God. (b)

(a) 1 John 1:8-10; Rom.7:14,15; Eccl.7:20; 1 Cor.13:9. (b) Rom.7:22;

Ps.1:2; James 2:10.

Q. 115.

Why will God then have the ten commandments so strictly preached, since
no man in this life can keep them?

A.

First, that all our lifetime we may learn more and more to know (a)

our sinful nature, and thus become the more earnest in seeking the remission of
sin, and righteousness in Christ; (b)

likewise, that we constantly endeavour and pray to God for the grace of the
Holy Spirit, that we may become more and more conformable to the image of God,
till we arrive at the perfection proposed to us, in a life to come. (c)

45. Lord's Day

Because it is the chief part of thankfulness which God requires of us:
(a)

and also, because God will give his grace and Holy Spirit to those only,

who with sincere desires continually ask them of him, and are thankful for
them. (b)

(a) Ps.50:14,15. (b) Matt.7:7,8; Luke 11:9,10,13; 1 Thess.5:17.

Q. 117.

What are the requisites of that prayer, which is acceptable to God, and
which he will hear?

A.

First, that we from the heart pray (a)

to the one true God only, who has manifested himself in his word, (b)

for all things, he has commanded us to ask of him; (c)

secondly, that we rightly and thoroughly know our need and misery, (d)

that so we may deeply humble ourselves in the presence of his divine majesty;
(e)

thirdly, that we be fully persuaded that he, notwithstanding that we are
unworthy of it, will, for the sake of Christ our Lord, certainly hear our
prayer, (f)

as he has promised us in his word. (g)

(a) John 4:24; Ps.145:18. (b) Rev.19:10; John 4:22-24. (c) Rom.8:26;

1 John 5:14; James 1:5. (d) 2 Chron.20:12. (e) Ps.2:11; Ps.34:19;

Isa.66:2. (f) Rom.10:14; James 1:6. (g) John 14:13,14; John 16:23;

Dan.9:17,18. (h) Matt.7:8; Ps.27:8.

Q. 118.

What has God commanded us to ask of him?

A.

All things necessary for soul and body; (a)

which Christ our Lord has comprised in that prayer he himself has taught us.

(a) James 1:17; Matt.6:33.

Q. 119.

What are the words of that prayer? (a)

A.

Our Father which art in heaven,

1 Hallowed be thy name.

2 Thy kingdom come.

3 Thy will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.

4 Give us this day our daily bread.

5 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

6 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.

Amen.

(a) Matt.6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4.

46. Lord's Day

Q. 120.

Why has Christ commanded us to address God thus: "Our Father"?

A.

That immediately, in the very beginning of our prayer, he might excite
in us a childlike reverence for, and confidence in God, which are the
foundation of our prayer: namely, that God is become our Father in Christ, and
will much less deny us what we ask of him in true faith, than our parents will
refuse us earthly things. (a)

(a) Matt.7:9-11; Luke 11:11-13.

Q. 121.

Why is it here added, "Which art in heaven"?

A.

Lest we should form any earthly conceptions of God's heavenly majesty,
(a)

and that we may expect from his almighty power all things necessary for soul
and body. (b)

(a) Jer.23:23,24; Acts 17:24,25,27. (b) Rom.10:12.

47. Lord's Day

in all thy works, in which thy power, wisdom, goodness, justice, mercy and
truth, are clearly displayed; and further also, that we may so order and direct
our whole lives, our thoughts, words and actions, that thy name may never be
blasphemed, but rather honoured and praised on our account. (c)

(a) John 17:3; Jer.9:24; Jer.31:33,34; Matt.16:17; James 1:5;

Ps.119:105. (b) Ps.119:137; Luke 1:46,47,68,69; Rom.11:33-36. (c)

Ps.71:8; Ps.115:1.

48. Lord's Day

Q. 123.

Which is the second petition?

A.

"Thy kingdom come"; that is, rule us so by thy word and Spirit, that we
may submit ourselves more and more to thee; (a)

preserve and increase thy church; (b)

destroy the works of the devil, and all violence which would exalt itself
against thee; and also all wicked counsels devised against thy holy word; (c)

49. Lord's Day

"Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven"; that is, grant that we
and all men may renounce our own will, (a)

and without murmuring obey thy will, which is only good; (b)

that every one may attend to, and perform the duties of his station and
calling, (c)

as willingly and faithfully as the angels do in heaven. (d)

(a) Matt.16:24; Tit.2:11,12. (b) Luke 22:42; Eph.5:10; Rom.12:2. (c)

1 Cor.7:24. (d) Ps.103:20,21.

50. Lord's Day

Q. 125.

Which is the fourth petition?

A.

"Give us this day our daily bread"; that is, be pleased to provide us
with all things necessary for the body, (a)

that we may thereby acknowledge thee to be the only fountain of all good, (b)

and that neither our care nor industry, nor even thy gifts, can profit us
without thy blessing; (c)

and therefore that we may withdraw our trust from all creatures, and place it
alone in thee. (d)

(a) Ps.104:27,28; Ps.145:15,16; Matt.6:25,26. (b) James 1:17; Acts

14:17; Acts 17:27,28. (c) 1 Cor.15:58; Deut.8:3; Ps.37:3-5,16;

Ps.127:1,2. (d) Ps.55:23; Ps.62:11; Ps.146:3; Jer.17:5,7.

51. Lord's Day

Q. 126.

Which is the fifth petition?

A.

"And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors"; that is, be
pleased for the sake of Christ's blood, not to impute to us poor sinners, our
transgressions, nor that depravity, which always cleaves to us; (a)

even as we feel this evidence of thy grace in us, that it is our firm
resolution from the heart to forgive our neighbour. (b)

(a) Ps.51:1-7; Ps.143:2; 1 John 2:1,2; Rom.8:1. (b) Matt.6:14,15.

52. Lord's Day

Q. 127.

Which is the sixth petition?

A.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"; that is,
since we are so weak in ourselves, that we cannot stand a moment; (a)

and besides this, since our mortal enemies, the devil, (b)

the world, (c)

and our own flesh, (d)

cease not to assault us,

do thou therefore preserve and strengthen us by the power of thy Holy Spirit,
that we may not be overcome in this spiritual warfare, (e)

but constantly and strenuously may resist our foes, till at last we obtain a
complete victory. (f)